Born 1968 in Paramaribo, Surinam. Lives and works in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark

As an immigrant and visual artist living and working in Europe, I wouldn't want the native people to think they should treat me as an endangered species or as a parasite. Nevertheless, these are hard times. The natives are struggling. Where as I think the struggle hasn't yet begun, at least not yet in Denmark. Because the immigrants here haven't got any political, social, economic, or cultural power base. In general, I think that very few cultures/nations/ethnic groups, etc. have the ability of absorbing difference that doesn't immediately benefit the existing power structure and/or hierarchy. From the violent caste system of India to the gay Catholics in Rome, to the incestuous Protestants in Holland, to the horny democrats in the US, or the eccentric medicine man in Ghana. Man on top and the rest follows. It is all about consolidating and gaining power. I fail to see any fundamental difference in the Danish art institutions. Except that a worldwide phenomena has reached and conquered Denmark at warp speed. Racism is out. Culturalism is the new hot thing to hit the dog with.

Contribution: Participates in the debate “The Danish Art Institution and the Challenge from the 'Politics of Difference'” on Sunday, October 24, 2004, from 3 – 7 pm in Station 1: The Equestrian Hall, Aarhus.